A few words regarding PennHIP and OFA Diagnostics:

Please bring the following to your initial visit:

• Copy of your AKC or other Kennel Club registration certificate
• Microchip/ tattoo documentation applicable to your pet
• Pertinent medical history including previous illness or injury
• Medication(s) currently being given if applicable

Please do not feed your pet after midnight the evening prior to your appointment.  Water may be given in small amounts the morning of the procedure.

The Procedure:   If it is your first time scheduling the PennHIP or OFA procedure, you will have the option of seeing a surgeon prior to admitting your pet for the radiographs.  After admission, a Dr. will perform a brief pre-anesthetic examination and a pre-anesthetic blood screen if indicated.  Since general anesthesia is given intravenously for the procedure, we will need to shave a small area on your pet's front or hind leg.  Most patients are discharged later the same day or evening.  Your pet may be tired the evening of the procedure.  Most pets are back to normal by the next morning.

Getting results:    We will provide you with a copy of your pet’s radiographs on CDROM and submit the images and applications to PennHIP / OFA on your behalf.  Both PennHIP and OFA forward copies of their reports to both you and Veterinary Specialties.  In our experience, it can take from 4-8 weeks to get results and there is no option to obtain a “stat” report.

Please note:  Unless the radiographs show a medically urgent condition, our Drs. will not comment on the radiographs until the report(s) are received from PennHIP and/or OFA.